Prince William kicks off historic diplomatic tour of Middle East

Prince William has kicked off his solo tour of the Middle East by speaking the international language of football.

The Duke of Cambridge has embarked on a five day solo tour of the Middle East, where he is visiting Jordan, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Kensington Palace tweeted a picture of Prince William and Crown Prince of Jordan watching the England and Panama match after dinner at the Beit Al Urdun Palace.

Prince William and the Crown Prince of Jordan sit down to watch England and Panama during their World Cup clash. Picture: Kensington Palace/Twitter (Supplied)Prince William had instructed his aides not to give away the score. Picture: Prince William/Twitter (Supplied)

The Duke had warned members of his entourage not to give away spoilers of the game, where England won 6-1, as he conducted official duties.

Prince William will meet a long list of political heavyweights during his tour, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

After touching down at Marka Airport in Jordan, he was greeted by Crown Prince Al-Hussein bin Abdullah. A military guard of honour lined the path as the two leaders exchanged pleasantries in front of waiting media.

Kensington Palace has called this visit "historic" and "important". This is the first time a royal has been officially sent to the region to represent the British Government.

The Duke of Cambridge speaks to Alia Twal, the first woman pilot on Royal Jordanian Airways, as he attends the Queen's Birthday Party at UK Ambassador's residence in Amman, Jordan at the start of his Middle East tour. Picture: PA (AP)